Recently, Dr. Charlotte Parham stood in front of the 7th graders at Yerger Middle School to share some incredible news: Each one of them are going to be eligible to receive at least $1500 as part of the US Department of Education's "GEAR-UP" grant!
The grant, which stands for "Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)," was provided to 11 districts in the state, including Hope. It is designed to increase student preparedness to enter and succeed in college through three main categories: student services, educator and school development, and family education. Upon high school graduations, students in this cohort will be eligible for college scholarships through the grant.
Students also heard from LeQuita Grayson, a former student, Hope High Graduate, Hope educator, and current Coordinator of Counseling and College Readiness for the Little Rock School District.
After the guest speakers finished, each student in attendance received a certificate and T-Shirt while posing for a picture with Yerger Middle School Principal Mike Radebaugh and District Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Crossley.
In the video below, enjoy photos from the event including pictures of each student with their certificate: